SPRINGFIELD – In order for Illinois to provide equitable access to high-quality early childhood education and care services, State Senator Christopher Belt supported a measure signed into law Tuesday, creating the Illinois Department of Early Childhood.

“It is essential that we provide our youth with quality care and education at the earliest age possible,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “In doing so, this lays the foundation for a child’s learning journey and can result in long-term success for children.”

Senate Bill 1 creates the Department of Early Childhood beginning July 1. This department will be the lead agency for administering and providing early childhood education and care programs and services to children and families in Illinois. Additionally, all other state agencies dealing with early childhood services will have these programs transferred to the Department of Early Childhood by July 1, 2026.

Currently, early childhood education and care programs and services have been administered by multiple state agencies, often causing an overly complex system of overlapping jurisdiction and confusing payment structures. This has resulted in challenges for those receiving or administering these programs. The Belt-backed law will help make access to state-funded early childhood programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

“Our children are the future of Illinois, and it is our duty to provide them with quality support and resources,” said Belt. “I’m more than thrilled to see the Department of Early Childhood become a reality and look forward to seeing the positive effects it brings.”

Senate Bill 1 was signed into law on Tuesday.